Each year RESPOND recognizes stellar contributions to the work to end domestic violence.

I was one of the awardees of the 2010 Timothy White Take A Stand Award. This year’s Timothy White Take A Stand Award will be awarded to Diane Patrick, First Lady of Massachusetts.

Diane Patrick, lawyer, mother, educator and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, is being presented with the Timothy White Take A Stand Award for using her voice to draw local and national attention to the issue of domestic violence, leveraging her public voice to encourage dialogue and promote awareness. Mrs. Patrick has been an outspoken advocate in the Commonwealth’s ongoing effort to end domestic violence, and has been actively engaged with families, agencies and law enforcement to support victims and to identify and address the root causes of domestic abuse. Most recently, she unveiled a public service announcement in which she implores victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to seek help.

Turning tragedy into triumph, Ms. Nadine Walker Mooney is a woman of extraordinary strength, determination and character of evidence throughout her journey through, and out of, a relationship sevreley affected by domestic violence. RESPOND is honored to present Ms. Walker Mooney with the Rita Bourgeois Leadership Award for her courage, tenacity and leadership in domestic violence education, prevention and intervention work. Ms. Walker Mooney is the first survivor to receive the Rita Bourgeois Leadership Award and will be sharing her riveting story while delivering the evening’s keynote address.

I am thrilled to announce that I’ll be attending RESPOND’s gala again this year. Be there or be square!